Wound protector

Abstract

In one embodiment, the wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings 11, 12 and is drawn tight against the wound. In a second embodiment, the wound protector has a flexible sleeve secured between a distal ring and proximal ring of fixed diameters. In addition, an expansion member is disposed within a loop of the flexible sleeve about the proximal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended diametric state expands the loop in the sleeve diametrically while drawing the rings towards each other.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wound protector comprising
 a collapsible distal ring; 
 a proximal ring; 
 a flexible sleeve extending between said proximal ring and said distal ring, said sleeve being disposed within and over said proximal ring to form a loop thereover; and 
 an expansion member disposed within said loop of said flexible sleeve for movement between a collapsed diametric state and an extended diametric state, wherein movement of said expansion member into said extended diametric state expands said loop diametrically while drawing said distal ring and said proximal ring towards each other, 
 said expansion member including a locking device and a first rod, said rod having one end secured in said locking device, an intermediate section extending circumferentially within said loop and passing through said locking device and a second end extending outwardly from said locking device and said loop for manual gripping thereof. 
 
     
     
       2. A wound protector as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said locking device includes a transversely disposed slot and wherein a roller is mounted coaxially on said first rod within said slot of said locking device. 
     
     
       3. A wound protector as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said locking device includes a lever having said first rod passing therethrough, said lever being movable between a locking position securing said second end of said first rod from movement away from said locking device and a release position allowing movement of said second end of said first rod from said locking device.